Congratulations to Liz and Lionel on their wedding day on Saturday 9th October 2010. The wedding ceremony , drinks and evening reception all took place at Swynford Paddocks, now known as Swynford Hotel, a very popular wedding venue in Suffolk.

Everything happened at the hotel for Liz and Lionel’s special day. The weather was very warm for the time of year, and stayed dry all day. I met the couple well over a year ago and had the pleasure of photographing them with their daughters who made fabulous bridesmaids along with a couple of Liz’s friends. It was also great to see some other familiar faces as the best men, Daryl and Bruce used to live just a few doors from me when I still lived with my parents. After the ceremony we had plenty of time for photos, and took some great shots around the grounds of the venue. I really enjoyed this wedding as I find civil ceremony’s at one location far more relaxed! Can’t wait to show all the pictures to this great couple....

I was delighted to receive the news that I have been awarded “First for Photography” in this years Velvet Magazine awards. I also won the category last year when the Magazine was called NKTBE, which covered Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Velvet magazine was launched about a year ago and was for the Cambridge area, but now the publications have merged and Velvet magazine now covers Cambridge, Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

In October’s edition the magazine featured the wedding of a lovely couple whose wedding I photographed at Audley End House. Just click on the image below to download a version you can read....

Thanks to all the readers that voted for us, and to Andy at Velvet Magazine.

Congratulations to Sarah and James on their wedding day on Saturday 25th September 2010. The wedding ceremony was in the village Church in Wimbish, just outside Saffron Walden, and the reception took place at Leez Priory, a beautiful wedding venue, set in the heart of the Essex countryside.

Yesterday I was very concerned about the weather as it was raining and really windy all day, so I am so glad the weather held for Sarah and James. It was a bit cold, but at least no rain! James stayed at the Swan in Thaxted the night before, so I met up with him and the lads for a few pictures first. Sarah got ready at her parents house in Wimbish. I photographed Sarah’s sisters wedding a few years ago, so it was lovely to see some familiar faces. Anyway, the ceremony was perfect and we all headed over to Leez Priory shortly afterwards. Set in wonderful grounds and stunning gardens, Leez Priory is a fantastic wedding venue with lots of opportunities for great wedding photography... It was a pleasure to photograph this wedding and I hope you like the photographs.

All the images will be ready to view and order just as soon as Sarah and James have seen all the photos....if you want to be notified when they are available please give us your name and email address byclicking here. If you have already registered there is no need to complete the form again.

Congratulations to Hannah and John on their wedding day on Saturday 18th September 2010. The wedding ceremony was at the Catholic Church at Buckden Towers, and the reception took place at Longstowe Hall, Cambridge’s most beautiful wedding venue.

I met up with John and the boys at Wyboston Lakes Hotel, where they had stayed the night before. After a few pics here I went over to meet with Hannah at her parents house in Buckden. Hannah looked stunning, as did the bridesmaids with the beautiful Autumn tones of the dresses and flowers. The church was only a few minutes from the house and we all enjoyed a very light hearted ceremony conducted by a lovely and amusing priest, if only all clergy were like him ;-). Anyway after a few family photos we left for Longstowe Hall, a privately owned mansion house in Cambridgeshire. Whilst the weather did get rather gloomy I got some lovely photos of the happy couple and a few informals of the guests. Cant wait for Hannah and John to see all the shots when they are back from honeymoon. Share this article on Facebook and more ...

Congratulations to Hannah and Daniel on their wedding day on Friday 10th September 2010. The wedding ceremony was at All Saints Church, Cottenham and reception took place at Longstowe Hall, Cambridge’s most beautiful wedding venue.

The day started with Daniel and the boy’s at his mums house in Cambridge. Although it was raining we managed to get some cool shots before I went to meet with Hannah who got ready at her Mums in Over. Fortunately the weather gave in and cleared up, a relief for Hannah as she was quite concerned about it! After the preparations I took some lovely shots of the girls before going to the Church. After the ceremony we took some family shots and then moved on to Longstowe Hall. Even though it wasn’t sunny, we got some great photos. It is actually better for photography if the sun is not shining as you do not have to worry about the harsh shadows the sun can cause, and the fact that people squint a lot when its too bright! Anyway please enjoy the preview when it goes live.....

All the images will be ready to view and order just as soon as Hannah and Dan have seen all the photos....if you want to be notified when they are available please give us your name and email address byclicking here. If you have already registered there is no need to complete the form again.

Ros got ready at her friends house in Swaffham Bulbeck. She wore the most beautiful Ian Stewart wedding gown and looked stunning. After a few shots of Ros, I headed over to Longstowe Hall and met with David before the ceremony. The marriage takes place inside the very historic Longstowe Hall, such a romantic setting with beautiful lighting and wonderful works of art on the walls. The ceremony was very light hearted with some entertaining readings and a wonderful acoustic performance by one of the guests. Drinks and canapes were served while we took some great shots around the grounds. Wedding photography is always such a joy at Longstowe as there are lots of places to take great photographs. This was a lovely wedding and I can’t wait to show Ros and David all the pictures soon. Share this article on Facebook and more ...

Congratulations to Hayley and Ian on their wedding day on Saturday 4th September. The wedding took place at All Saints Church, Gt Thurlow with their reception at one of Suffolks finest wedding venues, Swynford Paddocks.

After some pretty miserable weather over the bank holiday, everyone was please to see some warmer, calmer weather! I met up with the boys at the church early for some team photos so they could get a drink it at the local before the wedding. Hayley got ready at her parents home in Haverhill. With shoes by Jimmy Choo, an Ian Stewart dress, and fragrance by Vera Wang, she looked a million dollars! Although fashionably late for the service, everything went without a hitch. After a few family photos we headed on to the reception for a drinks and some creative wedding photographs around the grounds. The light was lovely and soft and got some fabulous shots. Can’t wait for them to see all the shots when they are back from their honeymoon

Congratulations to Emma and Steve on their wedding day on Thursday 26th August. The whole wedding, from Emma and Steves preparations through to the reception took place at Woodhall Manor a delightful wedding venue, near Woodbridge in Suffolk.

August has been a strange month weather wise. On Thursday it rained, then drizzled and stopped then rained again... but the weather wasn’t going to stop Emma and Steve enjoy their stunning wedding at this beautiful wedding venue. In addition I wasn’t going to let a little rain get in the way of capturing some great wedding photographs for this lovely couple. The grounds are just stunning and everywhere you look there are photo opportunities. The rooms that they got ready in were very stylish and enabled some nice indoor window lit portraits. After the ceremony we did some family and friends pictures as well as some more creative shots of the couple, using the gardens at Woodhall Manor. Cant wait to show them all the photographs from the day.

Congratulations to Gemma and Ashley on their wedding day on Saturday 21st August. The wedding ceremony took place at St Andrews Church, Stapleford. Drinks, canapes, beautiful wedding photographs, dinner and a big party were on the cards at the reception. The most stunning cambridgeshire wedding venue, Longstowe Hall, Cambridge.

The preparations for both Gemma and Ashley were a stones throw apart in Sawston, which made a welcome change. The wedding ceremony was just down the road in Stapleford, a lovely church with very pretty grounds. Fortunately there was plenty on room at the front of the church for me to get some discrete shots during the important moments. After a few family pictures at the church, we left for Longstowe Hall. This private wedding venue has the most stunning gardens and photo opportunities, which is why I love working here. Gemma and Ashley had a great day and were so lucky with the weather, although it was quite breezy we did not see one drop of rain, surprising considering the forecast was heavy rain! Anyway enjoy the preview...

Congratulations to Nicola and Adam on their wedding day on Friday 13th August. The wedding ceremony took place in All Saints Church, Hartford just outside Huntingdon. After the wedding ceremony we headed back to my favourite cambridgeshire wedding venue, Longstowe Hall, Cambridge.

The day started for me photographing all the details at Nicola’s parents house in Hartford. Then across town I went over to meet with Adam and the boys. After a few shots here it was back to Nicola for some portraits of her, the bridesmaids and parents. Even though the heavens opened, there was a small window of opportunity when the sun came out. The weather was changeable to say the least! After a lovely ceremony we managed to get the family photos done at the church. There was too much chance of being rained off later I wanted to get them done whilst it was dry, even then a few brolly holders were required! We then left for Longstowe Hall. This venue is so lovely with so many places for couple photos, inside and out, it really doesn’t matter what the weather is doing. Having said that the sun shone for this lovely couple. We got some amazing pictures and I hope you enjoy the preview....

Congratulations to Amelia and Gregor on their wedding day on Sunday 8th August. The wedding ceremony took place in St Mary’s Church, Barking just outside where Amelia grew up in Suffolk. After the wedding ceremony we headed back to one of my favourite wedding venue’s in Suffolk, Hintlesham Hall near Ipswich.

I met with Gregor and the boys at Hintlesham quite early on for some shots with him, the best man, and some of his good friends who were all dressed in uniform for the occasion. Amelia got ready at her parents home in Suffolk, where she grew up, so her home was very special for her. The church was one of the oldest I have seen, set right back from the road with pretty trees all round. After a lovely ceremony the happy couple came out under the guard of honour and then we headed back to Hintlesham Hall. I took some great pictures in and around Hintlesham Hall whilst we waited for the guests to arrive. This was followed by drinks, a few family pictures and then dinner. The weather was very kind staying dry and sunny and warm. A perfect summer wedding.

Congratulations to Sharon and Mark on their wedding day on Saturday 7th August. The wedding ceremony and reception all took place at the beautiful hertfordshire wedding venue, Hanbury Manor near Ware.

The last time I photographed a wedding at Hanbury Manor was about 10 years ago, so I was really pleased to be going back there. It has so much character, in such a stunning setting, with a fantastic golf course too! Sharon and Mark both got ready here, and breaking with tradition we did some pictures of them both before the wedding too. There ceremony wasn’t until 4.30pm, which was just as well, as there was plenty of rain between 2 and 4... Sharon and Mark’s children were a big part of the day and everyone looked fantastic as either bridesmaids or best men. The whole wedding was very relaxed and everyone a joy to work with, especially the happy couple.....

Congratulations to Cassandra and Brett on their wedding day on Saturday 31st July. The wedding ceremony took place in the Village of Cheveley near Newmarket, with the reception at a lovely local wedding venue, Swynford Paddocks, in Suffolk.

After a few downpours in the morning, the weather was very kind to Cassandra and Brett for their wedding day. I met Brett at his Mum’s house in Burwell, literally a stones throw for me... After a few shots of him and the best men I went over to Newmarket where Cassandra was getting ready. This must be a first, as she was completely ready when I arrived, which made a welcome change! The ceremony was in Cheveley, which I was familiar with as I had photographed a wedding here only a few weeks earlier. We headed straight back to Swynford Paddocks afterwards to photograph the family groups and for some photographs of the happy couple. Everyone had a lovely day and I am looking forward to showing them all the photos when they return from their honeymoon. Share this article on Facebook and more ...

Congratulations to Giovanna and Costa on their wedding day on Sunday 25th July. The wedding ceremony took place in at St Joseph’s catholic church in St Neots, just outside Huntingdon with the reception at one of my favourite wedding venues, Longstowe Hall, Cambridgeshire.

I met up with Costa and his Best man at a hotel nearby which stood near an industrial estate. It was great to get some sharp lines into the photography to create some really funky shots of Costa. Next I went round to see Giovanna who looked absolutely stunning even before she had her wedding gown on!! After taking some beautiful photographs here I left for the church. The service was lovely and took place in one of the most colourful churches I have seen, so perfect for the happy couple. Soon after we went on to the stunning reception venue, Longstowe Hall, which is delightful. I photographed the family groups here and took some wonderful romantic shots of Giovanna and Costa in the beautiful surroundings of this privately owned home. I Can’t wait for them both to see all the shots.... until then... Share this article on Facebook and more ...

Congratulations to Farah and Oliver on their wedding day on Saturday 10th July. The wedding ceremony took place in Cheveley, a little village just outside Newmarket with the reception at one of my favourite wedding venues, the Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket Suffolk.

The day started at Oliver’s mum’s home in Cheveley, such a pretty house just set back from the church. After doing a few photographs here, I headed over to meet Farah who was getting ready at the Bedford Lodge. Farah had her two lovely bridesmaids to help her get ready, although I found myself helping too!! It was great to bump into Tolly who is a fantastic florist who always pulls out all the stops for his couples. The ceremony was at 2pm and Farah arrived in style in the most amazing Rolls Royce. After a few family pictures at the church, we headed back to the reception for some lovely couple photographs and drinks. A beautiful summers wedding on a beautiful English summers day...

Congratulations to Louise and Matt on their wedding day on Saturday 3rd July. The wedding ceremony took place at a beautiful church in Ayot St Peter, Old Welwyn, Hertfordshire. The reception was also in Hertfordshire at the very historic mansion house wedding venue, Theobalds Park near Cheshunt.

I met up with Matt and the lads at his Mums house in Stevenage on another scorcher of a day, especially for England! Matt had a beautiful Aston Martin to drive to the church, so I just had to get some shots with the car. I then went on to Louise’s parents, just across town where her and all the bridesmaids were getting ready. I got some great pictures of the girls before heading over to the church. This has to be one of the most beautiful churches I have seen, just so different and set in lovely gardens.... After the service we go on to Theobalds Park, a wonderful mansion house set in enormous parkland. There was some great photo opportunities with some lovely grounds, so I can’t wait to show the new Mr & Mrs all the shots when they return from honeymoon.....

I was invited by Nikon in Estonia to give a talk on professional wedding photography to photographers from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. I gave a background on my photography business and explained how wedding photography works for me in Cambridge where I am based. The seminar was sponsored by Nikon as well as some other local businesses. The talk went down really well and 1 hour wasn't really enough! Had it have been up to the delegates, I think they would have let me talk all afternoon.... but I was also there to judge their "Wedding Photographer of the Year" award.Mark talks about wedding and portrait photography

Wedding and portrait photographer, Mark, talks to photographers from Baltic countriesThis prestigious competition is run by Jana Sarglep and celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year, and attracts professional wedding photographers from all of these three countries. Even though they have fairly small populations, they do their fair share of wedding photography and I was delighted to have been asked to be one of the UK judges. I was accompanied by two other UK photographers, Steve Tarling and Denis Orchard, both who specialise in wedding photography, and also three other more local professional photographers with a range of disciplines, from fashion to PR and commercial.An intense day of judging over 300 professional wedding imagesJudges from the UK, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia

With the top prize from Nikon being the amazing Nikon D3S professional digital camera, there were around 300 images to judge, which appeared in various categories. Reportage Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Wedding Photography, Bride or Groom only photography, and Detail Wedding Photography. Whilst we had a great system for judging, unfortunately we were let down by technology and ended up having to turn to a manual voting system. With 6 independent judges, there were often different views and opinions and the whole process took a lot longer than we anticipated. We ran through non stop and after much deliberation came to a decision and picked a winner. More information on the competition, including the winners, can be found here ...Picking a winner

Congratulations to Rachel and David on their wedding day on Saturday 19th June. The whole wedding including Rachel and David’s preparations, the ceremony and reception took place at the lovely cambridge wedding venue, the Doubletree by Hilton, in the heart of Cambridge.

I arrived early to photograph all those little details I just love to include in the final album, the dress, shoes, perfume, the rings and flowers etc. Rachel was very chilled out and actually wondering what to do with herself!! Then after taking some shots of David and the lads, with and without beers, the ceremony followed at 2pm. We took the groups inside, as the weather was a bit on the chilly side, however we did manage to get some great shots of the happy couple in the hotels beautiful gardens.

Congratulations to Tori and Quge on their wedding day on Saturday 5th June. The wedding ceremony took place at St Andrew’s Church, Girton in Cambridgeshire followed by the reception at the Doubletree by Hilton, in the heart of Cambridge.

The day started with Quentin and the boys at the hotel. The lads were finding it hard to cool down using a combination of air conditioning, desk fans and Corrona beer! After we took some cool shots here I went of to Tori’s parents house in Girton. Everyone was very calm and looked absolutely stunning. Paul from Runhams Cars took Tori and her dad to the church - bang on time. After a lovely ceremony and a few family shots at the church we headed off to the Doubletree Hotel. The happy couple made their entrance via a punt on the River Cam. A fantastic wedding and a beautiful summer’s day in Cambridge.

Congratulations to Elisa and Danny on their wedding day on Friday 21st May. The wedding ceremony took place at the St. Etheldreda Church, Newmarket Suffolk followed by the reception at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, in Newmarket Suffolk.

What a scorcher! I met with Danny and the boys at the Bedford Lodge in the morning before heading over to Kennet where Elisa was getting ready at her parents house. After taking some great shots of Elisa with her parents and bridesmaids, I left for the church. Elisa got to the church on time, but her bridesmaids didn’t! They were about 10 minutes late...so we waited. Father Michael gave a lovely service and the church looked amazing filled with sunshine. Everyone headed back to the Bedford Lodge for the reception where we took some family photos, and great shots of Elisa and Danny together. I had a great time and really enjoyed everyone’s company!

Congratulations to Pam and Will on their wedding day on Friday 14th May. The wedding took place at All Saints Church, Writtle, Essex and the reception held at Will's parents house in Hertfordshire.

Pam and Will had a lovely day for their wedding which started in the pretty village of Writtle in Essex. After popping in to say hello to the girls, I met with Will and the boys at the Church. They went off for a drink while I went back to take photographs of Pam and the girls, I was amazed they were all ready when I got back! Pam walked to the Chruch as it was so close to their home. After a lovely ceremony we headed over to Much Hadham, where Wills parents were hosting the reception with a marquee. The most amazing thing about the wedding, apart from Pam and Will ;-) , was the wedding cake.....

Congratulations to Sara and Robert on their wedding day on Saturday 8 May. The wedding ceremony took place at All Saints Church, St Ives in Cambridgeshire followed by the reception at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, in Newmarket Suffolk.

Sara and Robert had an amazing wedding day despite the erratic British weather! The wedding photography started in Bluntisham at Robert’s parents house with shots of the boys, before moving over to Brampton to capture Sara and the girls. Everyone looked fabulous for this very special occasion. It was great to see Sam again, a very talented makeup artist from Cambridge. Even though Sara was fashionably late for the Church, everything went without a hitch! Back at the hotel, we managed to get some great photographs inside and the reception room looked nothing short of stunning.

Congratulations to Helen and Grant on their wedding day on 23rd April 2010 at Quy Mill Hotel, Cambridge - a fantastic wedding venue in Cambridge.

Helen and Grant had a beautiful summer’s day for their wedding. Apart from the normal pre wedding nerves, they both had a wonderful day. Helen chose beautiful spring colours for her day, which is why I just could not resist taking the shot below.

Exciting News! I have recently been asked to present my wedding photography and business skills to photographers based in and around Tallinn, Estonia at the end of May. Nikon Europe are sponsoring the event, which will also involve a print competition that will be judged by myself, Steve Tarling and Denis Orchard, who are also very talented and respected wedding photographers from the UK. The prize fund for the competition is said to include a Nikon D3S. It is expected that over 100 talented wedding and portrait photographers will be attending from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Julie and Chris had a fantastic wedding and I am so pleased the weather was kind to them. Whilst it was very cold, the sun shone for the best part of the day. The church looked amazing and was beautifully decorated with the most amazing array of flowers. After a few family photos at the Church we headed back to Needhams restaurant in Witchford for the reception. I can’t wait to show Julie and Chris all the pictures when they are back from Honeymoon.

I am so very pleased to officially announce the 2009 winner of our very popular competition - The Face of Cambridge. Arianna Liddle, from St Neots in Cambridgeshire was selected to win this very exciting and exclusive competition. I visited Louise Cummings, Editor of Cambridge Style magazine earlier in January for her to select her favourite image, and choose the Face of Cambridge. “I was blown away with the selection of photographs Mark had to show.” said Louise “There were so many lovely faces, but there was something very special about Arianna’s photograph”

Arianna win’s a beautiful piece of wall art of her favourite image worth £500, as well has gracing the front cover of the Feburary issue of Style magazine and a feature article inside. Style magazine is Cambridge’s leading high quality fashion orientated monthly publication is available FREE in many outlets across Cambridge.

We are now looking for the Face of Cambridge 2010. For just £30 you will have a professional make up session and hair-styling, followed by a fashion shoot. £15 of this fee is donated to Breast Cancer.

I have just returned from a very successful few days at Europe’s largest social photography convention in Hammersmith, London. I was once again asked to share my experience and knowledge, training new and experienced photographers alike about running their portrait and wedding businesses. Giving two seminars gave me the opportunity to discuss both the wedding and portrait side of the industry and each one attracted many delegates.

I am now able to offer one to one training and consultations to people just starting out as well as more experienced photographers. Please contact me if you would like some further information.

It is very likely that I will be giving various seminars throughout this year, so just keep an eye on the blog for more info.